Sold Out "Connecting Community - The Grand Event Filled with Excitement

An energetic and captivated crowd of approximately 550 gathered at "Connecting Community - The Grand Event” on Oct. 29 during a night to celebrate Jewish Federation’s work and mission, and hear from guest speaker Noa Tishby, the Israeli-American author, producer, entertainer, and activist. 

It was the largest Grand Event crowd ever at the Federation’s major community event. Excited community members filled the large ballroom with considerable anticipation. Prior to the main program, about 100 people had their photos taken with Tishby at a JCFR Stand n’ Repeat backdrop.

. We were joined by over 100 first-time attendees and more than 45 university and high school students. 

The co-chairs were Lisa Looney and Nannette and Nathan Shor who welcomed the assemblage when they gathered in the ballroom at the Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa at Short Pump.

In a meaningful, honest, and often blunt conversation with past Federation President Jim Weinberg, Tishby shared her views on a wide range of topics, including the challenge of disinformation about the Gaza War. She emphatically noted that antisemitism has never gone away and raised deep concerns about what has happened on college campuses since Oct. 7. She frequently praised the efforts by Jewish students to combat the protests, acknowledging that “Jewish students are on the frontlines.”

She shared her love of Israel and the Jewish people as well as the success of Zionism. “Israelis are the best people on earth. We are so resilient.”  

Drawing frequent applause and standing ovations, the crowd also shared laughter with her many comments about Israelis. She also praised the Federation for its many initiatives to help local Jews of all ages. “You are the ones doing the important work to help Jews.”

 Earlier in the evening, 2026 Annual Campaign Chair David Galpern reminded the huge crowd, “Tonight, we are together, stronger, connected. Community has lifted us and given us strength, and given us purpose for over the past 90 years". He thanked community members for their past and continued support.

Jewish Federation President Josh Goldberg closed the program, noting, “This evening wasn’t just a celebration – it was a declaration. A declaration of who we are, what we stand for, and the future we’re building together.